Track & field: Clear Brook focused for success

There are a number of Clear Brook seniors focused on team and individual excellence at the upcoming District 24-5A Track and Field Championships.

"We know about all the major competition that will be at district, but we have strong hopes for a team championship," senior hurdler and 1,600-meter relay member Brian Dukes said. "This year we've come out and a number of guys are really shining, but it's not just all about the individual events and medals. We have relays that are doing well, and as a team, we're absolutely planning to be in contention."

Clear Brook and the rest of 24-5A will decide team and individual finishes during the district meet on April 12-13 at Dickinson High School where the top three finishers in every event advance to regionals.

The Wolverines, under the direction of coach Jimmy Grier, also have senior standouts and leaders in sprinter Nick Taylor, distance runner Taylor Barrera, and the versatile Eric Alexander, who has region experience in the long jump.

Taylor is the defending district champion in the 200 meters and on the 1,600 foursome with Dukes, Alexander and freshman sensation Jamarco Stephen. Barrera was a regional qualifier in the 1,600 and 3,200 as a sophomore.

"I'm concentrating on the 800 and 1,600 this year, and after not competing in the 800 for a while, it's gone surprising well," Barrera said. "I really didn't get that much mileage in before the season to go for the 3,200, so it's been a good move.

"We're working hard on our individual events, but we've also talked about putting everything together for a team championship, and we know we have great leaders like Nick who will do well in the 100 and 200, and we also have some good relays, so it's something we're really going for."

Dukes and Barrera agree Clear Creek and Clear Springs will supply strong challenges for the 24-5A crown, and several district teams have final tune-ups at the Clear Springs Chargers Relays.

"Clear Creek is strong with seniors like C.J. McElroy, and they have a strong 1,600 relay along with Clear Springs, so those teams are big targets at district, but we're looking at everyone," Dukes said. "I think you'll see some record-breaking times at the Clear Springs Meet because everyone is so fired up, and that will no doubt carry over into district."

Dukes just missed a region berth last season with a fourth in the district 110 hurdles, and later during the 300 hurdles, he suffered a dislocated hip.

"I had third place under my belt in the 300s, but the hip popped out, and it was a struggle to finish the race," Dukes said. "The experience has helped me come back stronger this year, and it's an honor to be a part of this team, and we're excited about our opportunities."